Multiframe picture holder

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a multiframe and multiplanar picture holder that includes an outer frame that encloses a plurality of display frames such that each of said plurality of display frames is in contact with at least one other of said plurality of picture holders. Attachment segments within and/or around the outer frame have slots or other structures to receive extension frames each of which extend from the attachment segments. Both the display frames and the extension frames may be used to hold photos or similar display items.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is picture display assemblies, specifically assemblies designed to display more than one picture and/or similar objects and more specifically, to assemblies displaying objects in more than one geometric plane.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable to display pictures or similar objects, such as individual leaves, photographs, mementos, such as golf scorecards and tickets, and similar flat objects. Such objects may be placed in frames of various types. One problem with such display systems is that they are difficult to view as the angle of the viewer changes from straight-on or perpendicular to an angular view from the side of the display. From the side, the displayed object or objects are difficult to view without strain. This is true even if more than one object is placed in the display system.

Another deficiency that may occur with traditional picture display systems is that the amount of display space is limited as it is confined to the one plane of the traditional frame-type display system. This limits the number of objects that can be displayed by the system.

What is needed in the field is a display system to overcome the problems of angle of view and limited space currently found in the monoplanar display systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a multiframe and multiplanar picture holder that includes an outer frame enclosing a plurality of display frames with each of the plurality of display frames being in contact with at least one other of the plurality of display frames; at least one attachment segment within or around the outer frame, such that the at least one attachment segment defines or contains at least on attachment receiving means; at least one extension frame having an attachment means on one edge of the extension frame, the attachment means being joined to the attachment receiving means; and, a backing with the backing configured to enclose one side of the outer frame and removably attached to the outer frame.

One object of the invention is to provide a novel display device.

A second object of the invention is to supply a single device that enables at least some pictures and similar objects to be seen at different viewing angles.

A third object is to present a display device that is easily assembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the multiframe and multiplanar picture holder of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the picture holder of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the picture holder showing the distribution of the attachment segments and the attachment receiving means;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the picture holder which has the same shape as the picture holder seen in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged front perspective view of the extension frame;

FIG. 5B is enlarged view of snap the hooks seen in the circled area 5B in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6A shows slide-in hooks on the extension frame which may be used as an alternate attachment means;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the slide-in hooks seen in the circled area 6B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view showing the insertion of two display covers and a display into the slot in the extension frame;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view showing the insertion of a second display between two display covers; and,

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the extension frame taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5A showing the placement of two displays between two display covers in the extension frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. It also should be appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not always to scale in order to clearly portray the attributes of the present invention.

While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby”, “close”, “adjacent”, “neighboring”, “immediate”, “adjoining”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Adverting to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the multiframe and multiplanar picture holder 10 (“picture holder 10”) of the present invention. Outer frame 12 encloses a plurality of display frames 14. Each one of the display frames 14 contacts at least one other display frame 14. Outer frame 12 also includes at least one attachment segment 15. Each of attachment segments 15 define an attachment receiving means 15 a not seen in FIG. 1. At least two of the front facings of display frames 14 are in different, but parallel planes.

Extension frames 16 are attached to attachment segments 15 in such a manner that they extend from attachment segments 15 at an angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, extension frames extend from attachment segments 15 at a substantially perpendicular angle. However, they may also extend from attachment segments 15 at different angles. Extension frames 16 define slot 19 in the upper edge of extension frame 16. Also seen are displays 18 in display frames 14. Preferably, the components of picture holder 10 are fabricated from a suitable plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) using injection molding methods.

FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of picture holder 10. Backing 20 is used to cover the rear side of outer frame 12. In the preferred embodiment shown, backing 20 is configured to have substantially the same shape as the rear side of outer frame 12. Also seen is the rear side of attachment segments 15 as part of outer frame 12. Attachment segments 15 define or enclose attachment receiving means 15 a (“receiving means 15 a”). Receiving means 15 a may be any device or feature that receives an attachment means 16 a from extension frame 16. Examples of receiving means include, but are not limited to, slots or apertures to receive snap hooks or slide-in hooks (similar to bed rail bracket hooks), holes to receive screws, and spaces to receive suitable adhesives. Attachment means 16 a are seen extending from extension frames 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, attachment means 16 a are snap hooks 16 a. Examples of other attachment means 16 a include, but are not limited to, slide in hooks, screws, and suitable adhesives.

Backing 20 is removably attached to outer frame 12 by removable attachment means such as swivel clips 22 positioned in appropriate locations on outer frame 12. Hanging means such as hooks 24 are attached to backing 20 and serve to enable picture holder 10 to be hung from a wall or other similar structure. Display covers 13 fit into display frames 14 to cover and protect displays 18. Display covers 13 may be glass or a clear plastic such as acrylics such a PLEXIGLAS®.

FIG. 3 is a front view of picture holder 10. Clearly seen are several attachment receiving means 15 a positioned on attachment segments 15. It will be recognized that picture holder 10 is not limited to the particular shape seen in FIG. 3 and that attachments segments 15 may be distributed in a different manner around and/or within outer frame 12.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of picture holder 10 which in this view has the same shape as the picture holder 10 seen in FIG. 3. Braces 14 a are seen between the outer and inner walls of each of display frames 14. Also seen are apertures 23 which receive the screws for swivel clips 22.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged front perspective view of extension frame 16. In the embodiment shown, extension frame includes two halves that define slot 19. Attachment means 16 a, in this view snap hooks 16 a, are seen extending from one side of extension frame 16. It will be recognized that various attachment means may form either fixed or releasable attachments. For example, snap hooks will form a fixed attachment once inserted into a suitable receiving means 15 a. FIG. 5B is enlarged view of snap hooks 16 a seen in the circled area 6 in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A shows slide-in hooks 16 b which may be used as an alternate attachment means. Slide-in hooks 16 b may be removed from a receiving means 15 a and then reattached to attachment segment 15. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of slide-in hooks 16 b seen in the circled area 6B in FIG. 6A. In alternate embodiments, additional attachment segments 15 may be located around or within outer frame 12 to provide alternative positions where extension frames may be placed.

Slot 19 receives pictures and similar displays. Preferably, slot 19 is wide enough to receive both two displays plus two display covers to allow protected displays to be seen from both sides of extension frame 16.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view showing the insertion of two display covers 30 and a display 18 into slot 19. FIG. 8 is a side perspective view showing the insertion of a second display 18 a between two display covers 30.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of extension frame 16 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5A. FIG. 9 shows slot 19 holding two displays 18 and 18 a held between two display covers 30 providing the advantage of allowing a person to view a display 18 from either side of extension frame 16.

Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 

I claim:
 1. A multiframe and multiplanar picture holder comprising: an outer frame enclosing a plurality of display frames each of said plurality of display frames being in contact with at least one other of said plurality of picture holders; at least one attachment segment within or around said outer frame, wherein each of said at least one attachment segment defines or contains at least one attachment receiving means; at least one extension frame having an attachment means on one edge of said extension frame, said attachment means being joined to said attachment receiving means; and, a backing, said backing configured to enclose one side of said outer frame and removably attached to said outer frame.
 2. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of display frames has a front facing wherein at least two of said front facings are in parallel planes;
 3. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one extension frame extends substantially perpendicularly from said outer frame.
 4. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one attachment receiving means is at least one slot.
 5. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one attachment means is at least one snap fit hook.
 6. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 4 wherein said at least one attachment means is at least one removable hook.
 7. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one attachment receiving means is a hole and said attachment means is a screw.
 8. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one attachment means is an adhesive.
 9. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension frame comprises two parts.
 10. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said slot receives two objects for display.
 11. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 10 wherein said extension frame includes a slot to receive at least two display covers.
 12. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 further comprising hanging means attached to said backing for hanging said picture holder.
 13. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said removable attachment is at least one swivel attached to said outer frame.
 14. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least one extension frame is a plurality of extension frames.
 15. The multiframe and multiplanar picture holder as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one display cover in at least one of said plurality of display frames. 